Putnam Commissioners Approve New Comment Rules

Putnam County Commissioners approved updated rules for public comment Monday night, extending the time allowed for speakers and shortening the deadline for residents to sign up to speak.

Chair Chris Cassetty said the changes were prompted in part by recent updates to state law regarding public participation in local government meetings. The new policy increases the maximum number of speakers from six to eight and extends the individual speaking time from two minutes to three minutes.

“Again our rules require that we all have this in our hands at least a month ahead of time,” Cassetty said. “We gave this out two months ago, we gave it out at the June meeting, but we didn’t put it on July’s agenda because dealing with the budget we thought we had enough to do in July.”

The new rules create a two-tiered deadline system for those wishing to address the commission. Residents wishing to speak on a topic specifically listed on the meeting agenda now have until noon on the day of the meeting to sign up, while those wishing to speak on general matters germane to county government must still provide five days’ notice.

The commission approved the rule changes unanimously as amended. Cassetty said the board had held the proposal for two months to ensure members had ample time to review the language before taking a final vote.

Commissioners also approved a resolution supporting Project Garden, a secret economic development initiative. The vote gives County Mayor Randy Porter to move forward with negotiations.

Commissioners also approved the sell of several pieces of county equipment.